Ladies&#39; girdles



Dec. 18, 1956 H. M. HERBENER LADIES GIRDLES 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 30, 1954 v INVENTOR. Henry M. Herbener BY' W ATTORNEY 'Dec. 18, 1956 H. M. HERBENER 2,774,073

LADIES GIRDLES Filed April 30, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Fig. 7.

Fig. 5.

v INVENTOR. Henry M. Herbener ATTORNEY Dec. 18, 1956 H. M. HERBENER LADIES GIRDLES 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR. Henry M. Herbener Filed April 30, 19 54 ATTORNEY LADIES GIRDLES Henry M. Herbener, Thomasville, Ga. Application April 30, 1954, Serial No. 426,691

Claims. (Cl. 236) My invention relates to improvements in ladies girdles, corsets, brassieres or the like. 7

An important object of the invention is to provide a garment of the above-mentioned character which will produce the maximum comfort and maximum body control and good appearance with the minimum interference of freedom of movement of the wearer.

A further object of the invention is to provide a resilient device which will bend in all directions and conform to curvatures of the body and at the same time retain the top of the garment elevated.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for supporting the upper portion of the garment and so constructed that when it is held within a pocket and the material of the pocket shrinks due to washing, the device will continue to operate properly and no puckering occurs.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device for supporting the garment in place upon the wearer without interfering with the elasticity of the garment.

A further object of the invention is to provide means to return the top of the front portion of the garment to the raised position, when depressed, and which will also'serve as body control for the abdomen. A

A further object of the invention is to provide means serving as body control for the abdomen, and alsoserving to prevent forward movement of the lower portion of the resilient means which supports the top of the garment.

A further object of the invention is to connect the lower portion of the resilient supporting means and the upper portion of the body control means.

A further object of the invention is to provide a resilient frame or hoop formed of wire bent in a zig-zag formation thereby forming alternatelyarranged oppositely facing hoops, at least some of which are generally radially arranged.

A further obiect of the invention is to provide a frame or hoop which is flat so that the parts thereof may be arranged in the same plane when not under tension, and a connecting device for securing the ends of the frame or hoop together, and opposing distortion of the frame or hoop so that the parts thereof will be retained in a single plane when not under tension. r

A further object of the invention is to provide a resilient supporting frame or hoop and a lower coacting device, and a stiff coupling for connecting the ends of the frame or hoop together and for connecting'the lower portion of the frame or hoop with the upper portion of the device.

A further object. of the invention is to provide upper and lower frames or hoops formed of wire bent into a zig-j zag formation, with a stiff coupling connecting the'ends of each frame or hoop and also connecting the adjacent portions of the upper and lower frames or hoops.

A further object of the invention is to provide a resilient frame or hoop formed of wire bent into zig-z'ag forma-:' tion and a stifi coupling clampedto the lower portion 1 of the frame or hoop and clamped to the upper. end of a stiffening rib.

2,774,073 Patented I Dec. 8 1956.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent during the course of the following description.

In the accompanying drawings forming a part of this application and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout same,

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a girdle embodying my invention,

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the girdle, showing the user stooping forwardly,

Figure 3 is an elevation of the inner side of the front of the girdle, upon an enlarged scale with respect to Figure 1, parts broken away.

Figure 4 is a vertical section taken on line 4-4 of Figure 3, i

FigureS is a side elevation of the upper and lower v resilient frames or hoops removed, the coupling being shown in section and parts broken away, I

Figure 6 is a transverse section through the coupling.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the body portion of the girdle showing the pocket forming sections at the top and before they are folded over,

Figure 8 is an enlarged side elevation of one pocket, parts broken away,

Figure 9 is a vertical section taken on line 9-9 of Figure 8,

Figure 10 is a side elevation of the elastic fabric forming the body portion of the girdle, arranged in a fiat position, to further illustrate the pocket forming section,

Figure 11a is a front elevation of the girdle, largely diagrammatic, showing the arrangement'of the ribs and hose supporters,

Figure 11 is a front perspective view of a second form of girdle embodying my invention,

Figure 12 is a side elevation of the same, showing the wearer stooping forwardly,

Figure 13 is an inner side elevation of the girdle, looking forwardly,'parts broken away,

Figure 14 is a vertical section taken on line 14-14 of Figure 13,

Figure 15 is a horizontal section taken on line 1515 of Figure 13,

.Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of a rib, resilient frame or hoop, and connecting strip,

Figure 17 is a perspective view of the rib, resilient frame or hoop and connecting coupling, parts broken away. a r This application is a continuation in part ofmy application for Ladies Girdles, Serial Number 386,241, filed October 15, 1953.

Attention being called first to Figures 1 to 11a inclusive, the numeral 25 designates the body portion ofa girdle, and this body portion is preferably formed of an elastic fabric having vertical and horizontal stretch. The

fabric may be woven or knit. While the body portion:

are positioned opposite the body portion 25. These parts are secured together by a zigjzagj lineof stitching 30," which follows the edgebof the folded edge 2 9 and the I edges of'the pocket sides 2 6andj27. 'Thisrarrangement.

' provides side pockets 26a,idisposed adjacent to the hip joints, and a center backpocket'27a. The line of stitching 30 is interrupted at $1 to provide an. opening for the insertion ofa resilient frame or hoop into each pocket; 26a and 27a; ,The frame, or hoop is designated 32, and

V p The top of the body portion 251 is folded inwardly over a horizontal line 28 toform an upper folded edge 29, and the pocket sides 26' and '27 2,774,073 r v I is formed of a resilient wire bent into zig-zag formation, Section, and this torsional action quickly 1 returns the providing alternately arranged oppositely facing loops frame crhoop section to the raised position When the which are generally radial. The ends of the frame or'' pressure is removed. a

' hoop= 32 are connected by aclamp 33, which isitubular The body encircling portion 25 base longitudinal'axis nd is rigidly secured thereto]: The frames or hoops'32' 5 which may be's ubstantially vertical in use, and the hoop may be'inserted into the pockets lfia and 27a b efore 0r sections 46 and 47 have horizontal diameters at right after thebodyportion 25. is attached toa front panel, to angles to the longitudinal aXisand vertical diameters at be described. 4' V e p V a in if right angles to ,the'h orizontaldiameters. The horizontal 'lfhe. numeral :34 designates fa front panel,"which is diameters may be slightly longentharr the vertical di preferably non-elasticf Arranged upon the inner faceOf 1O ameters. Whenthe horizontaldiameter of the frame is the front panelare tapes 35. which are stitched to the substantially as long as the verticaldiameter,v or longer,

front' panel at36, forming vertical rib" receiving pockets the frame will their have themaxiniurndegre'e, of fiexi j. V

36g, closed attheirjrops and open a'titheir bottoms, After bility and theminirnurn pressure Qwill be required to yer- V the tapes are stitched to'the front panel, the front;panel tically'compress the frame.- The substantially U-shaped' f l may be arranged in'superposed relation fabric loops extend throughout substantially theentire area of section.37;; and the front panel is theiihtitched: at 33 to the frame; The substantially Ll-shaped laterally extendthe fabric s'ection' 3 7, 'and'the front paneli 34iis. then ing loops extend; throughout the entireflength ofthe folded downwardly, Figurel, and th'efabric section 37-is sidesof the frame. The said i sid esi arei' longitudinally folded downwardly at the line'rof stitching 38 forming sides w curved" throughout the ma or portion of' their lengths, V V 39 and 40 of a pocket 41. .The ends of the sides 39 and and these 'curfved sides in 'use, 'are' free to' move out: Y

'40 are stitched togetl'ier by a vertically curved line of wardly'when'the'top of the frame is depressed, sincethes stitching 42; and this, line of stitchingidoes not pass sides are spaced from th'eed ges of the pocket, before the through the front panelj34. 'ThephclgtAl'formed by the," it frames is vertically depressed. 'sides 39 and40 is therefore closed'atits top and bottom, The frame or hoop'32,wh1

pocket 41.7 V n h is inserted in each of the and the front panel 34 extends downwardly beyond-the pockets 26a and 27a isidentical with the hoop 'section46,

i a a v p Q and isof the zig-zag formation, and its ends interfitpa s";

V A resilient frameor hoop device 43 is inserted into the shown in Figure 5, and theseends are connected by the T V 7, pocket .41 through either open side edge, and the side metal coupling'33 which is rigid, is tubular, and is'clamped edgesof the sides 39 and 40 and the sides edges, of the to such and. This coupling is'identical to the coupling 50 front panel 34'are all secured to the elastic body portion except that it is not as wide.

25' by means of zig-zag lines of stitching 44. The lines At its bottom and front the body poftion ZS is provided Q s hing 44 xtend ownwardly" beyond the bottom with alai'ge opening 51, which has a substantially vertical of the pocket sides 39 and and terminate at the bottornf 1 dimension and is 'sufiiciently horizontally long to-extend f of the front panel .34, as shown. After "the panel and to points near and spaced from the sides of: the 'body pocket have thusrbeen stitched to the body :portion'25, 35' portion'25. This opening 51 has inclined edges 52, which,

f fi hg f are iIISe'ItVediHtQ t II P0 k6 f3 diyerge downwardly. The opening 51 iscovered byJa V through the IOWET p hd h fi Phg W P section of fabric 53, which is horizontally extensible and V ends are then sewed closedL' The ribsfiS haveitheirf lippeii V is'preferably horizontally-elastic. The horizontal strength 7 i fi d arranged f rwardly of the' bottom of the hoop dc- I offjthe section 53 against horizontal stretchingis much;

7 :vice 43, and these upper'en'ds project above the bottomingweaker than that of the body portion 25'; "I he fabric iof-the frame 1100p 0118. substantial, distancefas horizontalhr elastic and .may be-woven or V i The intermediate i 45 has pp f X'- knit and :is; securedto' the body portion 25 *by a line tending above the upper ends of thefouter ribs 45 and 'Qf tit hing s -twhich-followsthe edge 52.]

5 the lower end of the; intermediate rib .extendsibelow the j Arranged near the opposite endsof'the weakfabri'c seclower ends of the outer ribs. The function of these}; I

tion 5 3 ai e;upstanding ,stitfening ribs 55, suitably secured ribs145 is toprevent'thelower'. end or bottom of'the frame to the bodyip'ortion 25-Theseribs ektend to the bottom or hoop device, 43 moving outwardly'when the wearerf of h bgd i F m h esu te 563;; ecured, mQP Y Ofsits, y also r bo y'co -ii to the bottom of -the body portion 25 adjacent to the no], to exert pressureupbnthe abdomen to flatten'the fib ssf'andthe-ends of thefabric section53.

- same'whe'n standing'oratall times, to some extent;

V V I p 7 I 'Iifhefpurpose thelarge'front opening 51 is' to prornote The h 1' O P dfivicev i Qlhpf13es P9 and lower freedom of:acti on of the legs: Thepull or tensionof the lf f fi .P P Q 46 and which are Tsilieht-j I? ibody portion 25' ne'ar its bottom extends around-thebot f.- 'The lower hoop section 47 is' preferably. larger than; h? e torn edge of the body portion -25 at its side's and back, a

1 9 P o Ea frame of P Sectioh iii-S andalso downwardly-in an'outwardlydiverging directionformedzof wire, WhlCh 1s bent'mto'a zrg-zag formation; along the edgiSZ, Fheupstanding rib s [S BI'VCiIO hold pr d n oppq' 'fapinsalteinate :lQP I 55 ihb" o of the body portionj25 d ovvnwardlyi'at tli whi h 1gQ Y fh le f lfhhl f l fronto f the garmentandadjacent to the wealtf.fabricsecf V 1190p s n' ts Flame 5, to preventseparetmm tion 53,' and"thus properly distribut-esjthepull;or;tension or'hoop section 47 are connected by a stifl gcoupling 50, V

" ipl'effl'ably f m dd m and wh h l b ll h. portion 25;,down, andhence aid in-the proper disti ibii'tion .coupling is-pinched shut upon'ythe frame or hoop sec-i tions .46 and' 47.and has clamping engagement therewith} s c w ri l on itht a 1 not sufficiently st'r'bng to perceptibl 1160b e t n and a soj dw im h -,S c 655 t m m5f 5 i 1 7 V p 7 K, V p 7 i c i stctmsctslfhersnds esem 10f T Elsie; herranes rf p -sz w 'nthe'pt kftsf26a c .section, -it}prevents;distort on of eachffrarn r hoop 7 "section so that the same "returnsltp a flat position iwithin 4 a ajsing le' plane whengreleased. When'the-wearer Stoops I forwardly," thejuppe'nrframe VOI IhO Q P section 4 6 turns .70

" about its lower 'portion Tor bottom 'and als'o A about ithe topjaof thelovver-f'rame or hoop section gfl "Theiturning' niovementfofthe upper framejor hoopjs'ection is opposed ,7

' by a 'to rsional'action at thebottomfofthe upper'framej; V7 w V V 7 V v i or -hoop section-a'iid theitopfof the lower frameorihoop -75 wardly'. The frame or.hqopiispreferably:underieon pres-,. 7

g ly f h direction c m oi the PP L ame body portion 25 nearth'e bottomjof the body'portionj frame I hoopisectlon 46 n t s Qt .the pw i me a throughout fllellength'of the 'ribsjss; 'lihe hose sup-f poiiters :56 would also ai d'in holding the' front-fol the body loflthe'ptillfor' tension of the body portion near the bottom;

V. andl27d, serve -tolprevent rollingof'gth topfof the body 1 f portion: Each" frame I o hoop {32 is ;verti cally resilient,

{and is held within v itspocket, properly centeredfby con tactwith the'curvedbottomof thepocket. There is ample I sp ace between the sidesofieach frarne o'rhoop lil and the} ,sideledgeof the:pockeLJandj-th fr'am'erorghoop maylbe'; readily vertically compressed-auditssideswill' shiftout;

The weak-fabricseetion 53 coversfthe o enings lj'bhtis 3 sion to some extent when installed within its pocket and is somewhat horizontally elongated.

The resilient device 43 at the front of the garment, is also under compression when installed in the pocket. Its upper and lower frame or hoop sections 46 and 47 are under compression and may be horizontally elongated. The lower frame or hoop section 47 engages the curved line of stitching 42 and holds the device properly centered, and its top bears against the top of the pocket 41. When the frame or hoop sections 46 and 47 are vertically compressed, their sides are free to shift horizontally in an outward direction. This renders the frame or hoop sections resilient and they quickly return to the raised position when released. When the user stoops forwardly, the upper and lower hoop sections 46 and 47 bend forwardly. The upper hoop section turns about its bottom portion, which then has a torsional action, and the upper frame or hoop section also turns about the top of the lower frame or hoop section 47 which has a torsional action. These torsional actions are effected by the coupling 50 which connects the bottom of the upper frame or hoop section and the top of the lower frame or hoop section 47. The lower frame or hoop section 47 may also be bent forwardly between its top and bottom, and the ribs 45 prevent the bottom of the frame or hoop section 47 moving outwardly.

In Figures 11 to 17 inclusive, a girdle is shown comprising the same body portion 25, as shown in Figures 1 to inclusive and 11a and this body portion is equipped at its top with the same pockets 26a, at its sides and back, holding the resilient frames or hoops 32. The body portion is provided in its bottom and front with the same large opening 51, and horizontally elastic fabric sections 53, ribs 55, and front hose supporters 56, as described in connection with the first form of the invention.

In Figures 11 to 17 inclusive, the numeral 57 designates a front panel, preferably formed of non-elastic fabric, and the top of this panel is stitched to a pocket side 60, at 59, and the front panel 57 is folded downwardly over the pocket side 60, as shown. The numeral 61 designates a coacting pocket side. The pocket sides 69 and 61 are connected between their ends by a vertically curved line of stitching 62, forming a pocket 63. This line of stitching 62 is interrupted at 64, as shown. The pocket sides 60 and 61 are also secured together by vertical lines of stitching 65, forming rib receiving pockets 66. These rib receiving pockets are adapted to receive substantially vertical ribs 67 and 68. The outer pockets 66 may have their upper ends stitched closed and when the ribs 67 are inserted therein, the lower ends of these pockets are then stitched closed. The upper end of the intermediate pocket 66 is formed open and its lower end may also be left open, or it may be stitched closed. An intermediate rib 68 is inserted in the intermediate pocket 66. The rib 68 extends at its top and bottom beyond the outer ribs 67. The lines of stitching 62 and 65 do not extend through the panel 57. The edges of the pocket sides 60 and 61 extend to the edges of the panel and the edges of the pocket sides and the edges of the panel 57 are all stitched to the edges of the body portion 25 by zig-zag lines of stitching 69. The lower ends of the pocket sides are also secured together by a transverse line of stitching 70 which does not pass through the panel 57. The ribs 67 and 68 are resilient but sufiiciently stifi to afford body control. The upper end of the pocket 63 is formed open, and will be closed, as described.

Arranged within the pocket 63 is a resilient frame or hoop 71, formed of wire, whichis bent into a zig-zag formation throughout its entire length forming alternate oppositely facing loops 72 and 73. These loops and all portions of-the frame or hoop are in the same plane when not'under tension and the frame or hoop is therefore flat. The frame or hoop 71 bears at its top against the top of the pocket 63, when the top is closed, and at its bottom against the curved line of stitching 62, which holds 6 the resilient frame or hoop centered. The frame or hoop is permanently under compression.

At itstop, the intermediate stiffening'rib 68 is provided with a transverse slot 74; Figures 13, 1 6 and 17, to

receive a metal strip 75 which is then bent to form a lower U-shaped portion 76 and is further bent to form an upper U-shaped portion 77, receiving therein the bottom of the resilient frame or hoop 71. This metal strip is thus formed into a stiff coupling or loop and the sides of this coupling are clamped to the stiffening rib 68 and to the frame or hoop.71, and are rigidly connected therewith and rigidly connect the lower end of the frameor hoop 71 with therib 68. The coupling including the U: shaped portions 76 and 77 is rigid, as stated. The ends of the frame or hoop 71 including the transverse loops, interfit, as shown in connection with Figure 5; and these ends cannot separate. The top of the pocket 63 is formed open, as stated, and the rib 68 is passed through this pocket into the intermediate rib receiving pocket 66, and the frame or hoop 71 is introduced into the pocket 63, after which the top of the pocket is closed by a line of stitching 63.

In use, the frame or hoop 71 opposes the downward movement of the top of the panel 57 and pocket 63, and

- will return the same to the raised position after it is depressed and released. Vertical downward pressure upon the frame 71 will cause the side portions thereof to move outwardly in a horizontal direction. This renders the frame or hoop 71 highly vertically resilient which promotes the comfort of the user. Since the bottom of the frame or hoop 71 is rigidly secured to the rib 68, this rib tends to hold the lower portion against turning upon its generally horizontal axis, producing a torsional action in the lower portion of the frame or hoop 71. This will permit the entire frame or hoop 71 to readily bend forwardly when the wearer stoops but will'quickly return it to the.

raised position when the pressure is released. The rib 68 also prevents the lower portion .of the frame or hoop 71 moving forwardly fromthe wearer.

It is to be understood that'the forms of my invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples of the same, and that various changes in the shape, size or arrangement of parts may be resorted to. without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. A girdle or like garment comprising a flexible body portion which tends to roll at its top, a resilient frame secured to the front of the body portion and bearing against the top, said frame being of zig-zag formation and including alternate oppositely facing loops, a rib secured to the front and extending below the frame and a coupling secured to the top of the rib and to the bottom of the frame.

2. A girdle or like garment comprising a flexible body encircling portion which tends to roll at its top, resilient supporting means secured to the body encircling portion and serving to oppose such rolling action, said resilient supporting means including upper and lower frame sec-Q tions, the upper frame section including generally radial substantially U-shaped-loops which are connected at their outer ends, said generally radial loops extending throughout the bottom of the upper frame section, said lower frame section including generally radial substantially U- shaped loops which are connected at their outer ends, the radial loopsof the lower frame section extending through- :out the top of the lower frame section, and a stiff coupling element connecting the bottom of the upper frame section and the top of the lower frame section adjacent to their longitudinal centers and engaging with certain of the radial loops in said bottom and top for holding such engaged loops against turning movement with respect to the coupling, said couplingv being positioned near the elevation of that portion of the body where the most bend.

ing occurs, the substantially U-shaped loops in said bot;

gems

zdfi'iexieiiding for'a substantial distance beyond an; an of the coupling element and the' sub'staiitially 'ul-s'haped loops in'ffsaidtopj extending tor a substantial distance meritbeing such that 'the'torsion'al action occurs in said substantially Ll-shaped loops arranged exteriorly'ofsaid ,coiipl'ingel'ement when a relative angular-movement is effected between the upper and loweriframe-s'ections;

3 A girdle 'or'the' like comprising aflexible bodyen- 7 circling portion having' an upper end whichlis depressedv beyond each end 'of'the coupling element, the arrangeby'the movement'of the body,gresilientrneans to oppose such downward movement of said upper end; said resilient me an's' including upper and lower generally circular hoops; each hoop including generally radial substantiallyu-shaped loopslextending "throughout substantiallyv the circumference of eacli homers upper hoop including a bottom" provided 'withfsaid' generally radial'lo'ops and the v benc'iin g'occur's, and a stitfcoupling connecting isaid bottom and topnear their longitudinal centers and engaging Y the'generallyradial loops at 'suchlongitudinal centers so 7 that the engaged loops cannot swing with respect to such stiifv coupling, the generally radial loops in'said bottom extendiiig' for a substantial distance beyond each end of the'coupling and the generally radialloops'in said top extending beyond each lend'of said coupling, the ar-'- rangeme'nt' being such that the'to'rsional action occurs in said 'gene rallyiradial loop exteriorly of the ends of said coupling when one hoopfis swung transversely with relation to the other'hoop. r r

7 4. A girdle or. like garment comprising a flexible body encircling portion including a front having atop which tends 'tofbei depressed inuse, resilient hoopmeans mounted :upon the front and bearing against said 'top' to oppose its downward movement, said resilient hoop means including 7 generally radial substantially 'u-shaped loops, said resil-i-" ient hoopmeans being rf olda blefnear its vertical center and'having'its vertical center arranged near 'thewaist line of the'w'earer where most bending occurs, andstiffening'rih means secured to said "front and connectediwith the bottom only of the resilient hoop mea'ns said stiffening'rib m'eansiextending over a portion of the-abdomen for efiecting body control. p a

5. A girdlelor like garment comprisin'g-aflexible body lowefhoop'includingatop provided withlsaid generally r radial loops', thetopjand bottom being positioned nears the elevation ofthat portion of the body where the most encircling portion havinga top which is depressed in'use, 1

"resilient" supporting means mountedupon the body' encircling portion and bearing'against said top to oppose its j downward movement, said resilient supporting means comprising upper and lower frame" sections, the upper frame'section including generallyradial loops extending saidlbotto'm extending'for a substantial distance beyond 77 'eachen'd of the coupling andgthe ra'di'alloops of saidltop V 'ie'x'tending' for a'substantial distance :beyond each end of saidicoupling means to secure thelfrarne sections to the 7 body encircling Qportion, and stiff body control means" extendingibeneath ,the lower framersection'land bearing against the bottom only ofthedower'frame section to hold suchfbottorn against moving from-the wearers I throughout its bottom; the lower frame section including generally radial loopsextending throughout itstop, the

p 1 top and bottom} being positioned near'the'elevation'; of

' that portion of the body where the most'bending' occurs,

V 7 game coupling connecting the bottom and top'near their 7' V a longitudinal centers and engaging 'the ,generallyfiadial' V loop'sfat such longitudinal'center s;the 'i'adifl,loops of stantially the circumference of the'hoop said lofops being arranged in 'the plane of the',hoop" sothat the hoop 'is substantiallyjflat, and means to secure the hoop tothe flexible body encircling portion so that said hoop" retains its generallycircula'r shape in use and the sides Qfthej' hoop ar'eflfree' to move outwardly 'in a generally horizon-v tal direction when the topiof the hoop is vertically dei pressed; said hoop opposing the downward movement of said top.

7. The combination withj afle'xible body receiving por: V tion of a girdlelhaving'a top, ofmeans forming a pocket upon the body receiving portion and extending adjacent to said top, a resilient'hoo'p. which'is generally circular whenjapplied to the flexible body receiving po'rtion, said i hoop being arranged within said pqcketjandhaving sides slidable withinthe pocket" and moved generally out-J wardly whenthe top. of the'hoop' is depressed,'saidjresilient hoop including" generally. radial i'substantiallyh U- shaped loops which are connected at theiriouter ends,

said loops extending throughout substantially'the cir'cuma} ference of 'the lhoop; said hoopbeing substantially flat, said hoop opposing the downward movement of said top;

8. A girdle or like garment comprising a flexible bodyj r r 7 tion of said pocket extending circumferentially beyond, I

thelupper portion of .said sides ,and said; upper portion,

of said sides being slidzibly mounted within the pocket so that said upper portions move generally horizontally; V when'the' top of the hoop is depressed; and rib means 1 secured to the body portion andiextendingrbelow said rep silient hoop andconnected'withthe lower portion of said V resilient'hoop to oppose the lateralmovement of saidj 1 lower portion of the hoop from the body. i

9. A girdle or like garment comprisingf'a flexiblebody portion which tends to roll at its top, a resilient supporting element secured to the body portion and adapted to bear against said top, said resilient supporting element" comprising an upper section having a 'closed top and fa closed bottom a lowerisection including a closed top 3 and closed bottom, said upper section-bottom. and lower.

section top being arranged "near and in superposed relation and being of zig-zag formationthroughoutthe major portions of their lengths andincluding oppositely facing U-shaped loops; the outer;endp ortions of said' I upper section bottom'and lowersection top-being separate, and means arranged near the-center of thejupper l section bottom and lower; section top and connecting; l certain of the U-shaped loop's, portions:of"the uppe1 section bottOm an'd lower section-top outwardly of said 7 means being free to havetorsiohal action,

10. Agirdle or like garment, comprislngia' flexible V A body portion having a top which isdepressed in use, a}.

resilient hoopmounted upon the front of the'body', por-' '6. The cbmbination-with theflexible body receivingbody receiving "portiom said hoo'p having a horizontal I 'diameter'inuse which is atf le'a'st as long .as its vertical diameter, said resilientlhoop including generally radiallysubstantially; U-shaped' "loops; which are connected at.

the'ifloujterjends; said *loops extendingj throughout sub;

1 p j t al g l "ha i 3115 1 f a. ien i p" 1 which 'is generally circulan when applied to the flexible tion near said top andtending" te-support the top," and v stifiening'iribs' secured to-saidf'riont and'extendingfacross. the bottom of said resilient hoop and op'posing the movement of such bottom from the body." l r 1 eRetereneesZCitedinthe'fileof this-patent gi- UNLTED sTATns PATENTS 2,644,946 Menz er a1; July 14, 

